Music Review (Malayalam): Kaamuki

Music Review (Malayalam): Kaamuki
Music Composer: Gopi Sundar
 
Kurumbi, song about mischievous daughter, sung perfectly by the child prodigy Sreya Jayadeep and the average tune is propped up by Sumesh Parameswar's brilliant bass line. The title hook is catchy enough and the singer makes this one work easily. Gopi Sundar delivers his best in the heady maapilla paatu styled Sowhrudam and the song instantly takes me back to composer's Kizhakku Pookum from Anwar. Mithun Jayaraj and Sithara Krishnakumar nails the tune with their pitch perfect vocals with ample support from the chorus. The title hook is an incredibly catchy stuff from the composer and Mithun's sargams along with Sithara's vocals makes this one an wonderful listen. Gopi Sundar delivers another breath taking melody with mild Quawalli touch to the tune and an undeniable highlight is Jossy Alpy Sax and loved the way the transition between Sumesh's classically played guitar leaves way for wonderful Sax. Divya S Menon steals the show with her mesmerising vocals.

Verdict: Gopi Sundar's short 3 song soundtrack is enjoyable and the two melodies standout with ample things to love.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the album: Sowhrudam, Neeyam Sooryan 

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Music Review (Malayalam): Aravindante Athidikal

Music Review (Malayalam): Aravindante Athidikal
Music Composer: Shaan Rahman

Kanne Thaai Malare is trademark Shaan Rahman melody aced by the whispery vocals of Vineeth Srinivasan. Composer layers the melody with the minimal arrangements dominated by keys and the soundscape instantly takes the listeners back to his Thattathin Marayathu days. Rasathi's ARR'esque melody accompanied by Josy Alappuzha's flute and Cochin strings arrangements makes it a pleasant listen. Liya Susan Varghese's sargams and native percussion elements are enchanting and the Rasathi loop is an instant catchy one despite Vineeth Srinivasan's edgy vocals especially in high pitch portions. Anne Amie gets another brilliant song Anandhame for Shaan Rahman after Edhu Meghamaari in Kochava Paulo Ayyappa Coelho and the singer's pitch-perfect rendition makes this an enchanting listen. She is becoming my recent favourite singer in Malayalam industry especially after Kilivathilin from Pullikkaran Staraa. One wishes that composer could have churned this one as the full-fledged song instead of less than two minutes one. Endhe Kanna's exotic sounding arrangements and Megha Josekutty's mellifluous vocals is another undisputable winner from the composer. Shaan Rahman ends the melodious soundtrack with the fast pacing melody (and also devotional one I think going by the lyric, though not sure) Kripaakari Devi sung by mithun Jayaraj and the chenda rhythm is the nice touch by the composer despite sounds to be the synthesised one.

Verdict: Shaan Rahman once again proves his mettle with the melodious soundtrack of Aravindante Athidikal.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the album: Anandhame, Rasathi, Endhe Kanna

P.S You can listen to the songs on Saavn.

Music Review(Malayalam): Kammara Sambavam

Music Review(Malayalam): Kammara Sambavam
Music Composer: Gopi Sundar

Njano Raavo's melodic punch and the violin solos are irresistible with Ilayarajae'sque soundscape in the interludes. Haricharan Seshadri aces the rendition while Divya S Menon gets the finest Kannane tune intermittently and the lady aces it like pro. Azhikullil has more mod outlook compared to the period in which the film is set and the jingoistic tune is strictly average except for the buoyant usage of trumpet and brass band. Karthik and Divya S Menon did adequate job in terms of vocals. Anjaandu Bharikkan is another pedestrian sprightly tune prodded by Murali Gopi's energetic rendition and foot tapping arrangements.

Verdict: Njano Raavo is an undeniable highlight of the short soundtrack from Gopi Sundar.

My Rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Njano Raavo

P.S You can listen to the songs in Youtube. 

Music Review (Malayalam): Aami

Music Review (Malayalam): Aami
Music Composer: M Jayachandran and  Taufiq Qureshi

Neermathalapoo's dulcet melody gains lot from the lead singer's effectual rendition and Shreya Goshal owns the song completely. M Jayachandran throws in wonderful pleasant typical Malayalam soundcape with occassional Bengali folk elements sung by Arnab Dutta. Shreya Goshal's singing takes Pranayamayi Radha to much higher level and the composer throws in beautiful Naveen's flute and spectacular Dilshad Khan's Sarangi. Vijay Yesudas occasionally chips in and gives his fantastic support. This song takes me to another splendid song from the M Jayachandran and Shreay Goshal combo in Pranayam. Shreya Goshal's improvisations are delightful to listen.

Taufiq Qureshi enters the soundtrack with the delectable Ghazal Chand Hoga and the song once again features predominant usage of Sarangi and the lovely second interlude is a bliss to listen. Javed Ali's earnest singing makes this one an enjoyable one till it lasts. In Aadhi Raath, Taufiq employs some brilliant folk sounds especially the minimmal percussions sounds works like charm but sadly the same cannot be said about Roop's singing. However the backgrounds are adequately enjoyable despite the song is around seven minutes long. Javed Ali returns to the soundtrack with another fine Ghazal Umar Salon Sein and the ace singers leads like a pro with ultimate splendid support from the Sarangi.

Verdict: M Jayachandran and Taufiq Qureshi delivers pleasant and heavy soundtrack for the Kamala Surayya's biography.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the album: Pranayamayi Radha, Neermathalapoo, Chand Hoga

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn

Music Review (Malayalam): Chakkaramaavin Kombathu

Music Review (Malayalam): Chakkaramaavin Kombathu
Music Composer: Bijibal

Bijibal delivers simple foot tapping Manjaniyum and the rhyming tune sung effectually by the kids Dev Dutt Bijibal and Sreya Jayadeep. Bijibal brilliantly employed earthy sounds throughout the track. Alanjoriyana brims with the lovely throwback melody which the composer always weaves his magic while the interludes evoke pleasant feeling especially the extensive usage of flute sections. Bijibal aces with his splendid rendition. Bijibal ends the soundtrack with another gorgeous melody backed by Subha's lovely rendition. Loved the way veena and the consistent mesmerizing rhythm employed in the arrangements.

Verdict: Ultrashort soundtrack (less than 10 mins) but immensely likeable work by Bijibal.

My Rating:7.5/10

Pick of the album: Mele Manathu, Alanjoriyana.

Music Review (Tamil/Malayalam) : Solo

Music Review (Tamil/Malayalam) : Solo
Music Composer: Assorted Composers

Roshomon's buoyant and lively tune has the Russian folk music flavour and Alok Kulkarni's jaunty guitar is undeniably star of the song. The underlying programming by Sreerag Saji brings out the accordion sounds quite effectually. Overall, Prashant Pillai opens this multi-composer soundtrack with a highly infectious stunning track crooned by the string of singers led by Ashwin Gopakumar. Filter coffee selects Jog Raag based classical song Sajan More Ghar Aaye and builds the fantastic atmosphere around it with Swarupa Ananth's brilliant Konnakol and Jhanvi Srimankar's splendid rendition. The unconventional musical structure accompanied by Govind's solo violin cues make this one an engaging song till it lasts. Sooraj S Kurup of Valleem Thetti Pulleem Thetti fame delivers the song of the soundtrack in this multi-composer soundtrack. The classical song crooned in a splendid manner by Renuka Arun after Endaro in Telugu and she aces the classical rendition brilliantly. Hope composers utilize her vocals frequently. Sooraj's minimal sounds in the background accentuate the reverberating vocals.

World of Siva opens up with Masala Coffee's Aal Ayaal and the track is synchronous with the band's signature sounds rooted in Malayalam folk. Sooraj Santosh aces the vocals part as usual while adorning the track with magnificent arrangements topped by Krishnaraj's violin and awesome bass guitar work by Paul Joseph. The song's reprise version is done in a more stylish manner with much emphasis on Preeth P S's guitar strums and Sooraj's vocals. Thaikkudam Bridge reproduced the famous Aigiri Nandini and gave the haunting treatment to the track and the Govind's gloomy rendition and vocal texture gel perfectly with the arrangements. The arrangements turned towards the expected rock genre but the violin and guitar solos make this one easily works despite the overall familiar sound. The track has predominantly the sound of Thaikkudam bridge's latest brilliant album Navarasam. Govind presents his another adapted classical track Shiv Taandav composed by Raghini Bhagwat and the energetic arrangements sung in an effectual manner by Saylee Talwalkar works seamlessly. The drums rhythm and the singer's vocals amalgamate well and make this one wonderful listen.

Madras Kuthu meets the rap in Singa Kutty in the track composed by Sez on the beat. Though the track is less intriguing compared to other tracks in the album, Chinna Ponnu's vocals and Balasubramani's Nadhaswaram keeps the song afloat amidst other sounds.Thoovanam is the conventional mainstream sound in the album composed by Abhinav Bansal and the tune is a cakewalk for Vijay Yesudas. The tune didn't work for me except for the brilliance of the lead singer. Harish Sivaramakrishnan effectually recreated their hit boat song and the pulsating rock fusion easily works and the thittithara is the highlight in this highly effectual song while Agam brilliantly infuses the serene version of boat song in Uyiraagi especially the way Thittithara is incorporated. Shashaa Tripathi gives life to the song with her mellifluous vocals.

Separation is led by Ashitha Ajit's brilliant vocals and Gaurav Godkindi's serene arrangements topped by solo violin intermittently.Karaiyaadhe is another sing-along soft rock song crooned by Siddharth Basrur splendidly. The arrangements are dominated by typical English pop sound but work beautifully till it lasts. You is an English version of Karaiyaadhe and Siddharth owns the song with his pitch-perfect vocals.

Verdict: Extraordinary soundtrack for an anthology film and Bejoy Nambiar extracted another brilliant album from the multiple composers after David.

My Rating:9/10

Pick of the Album: Just listen to the whole Album and you won't regret.

Music Review (Malayalam): Pullikkaran Staraa

Music Review (Malayalam): Pullikkaran Staraa
Music Composer: M Jayachandran

Mathalathan Malaralle is an ear-pleasing melody with the tinge of waltz sounds flows consistently along with the mellifluous tune. The interludes are done in neatly with Vijay Yesudas takes care of the vocal department in an effectual manner. Tap Tap engages mostly due to the catchy hook base and exuberant singing by Sreya Kutty while the background stays in the heard before feel zone. Though the techno sounds are mixed, the tune sounds too dated. M Jayachandran strikes the chord once again with Vijay Yesudas in Kavalan Painkili, the pleasant tune aside, the lovely usage of accordion and the lovely chorus stays with the listeners even after the song ends. The soundtrack's stellar song is Kilivathilin Chare Nee, where everything blends together beautifully from the Anne Amie's endearing vocals to the soothing tune. Composer ups the ante with the blissful violin solos amidst the minimal backgrounds.

Verdict: M Jayachandran continues to enchant the listeners with his timeless melodies and Kilivathilin Chare Nee is the absolute winner from the soundtrack.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Kilivathilin Chare Nee, Kavalan Painkili, Mathalathan Malaralle

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn

Music Review (Malayalam): Thrissivaperoor Kliptham

Music Review (Malayalam): Thrissivaperoor Kliptham
Music Composer: Bijibal

Maangappoolu is the typical Bijibal tune with old world charm and an endearing Anupallavi makes up for the heard before soundscape of the track. Though the arrangements are nothing out of this world, the simple, likeable pleasant sound makes this one engaging listen. Bijibal tried to take the different route for Kada thala Kola with the upbeat mix of synth and native percussion elements especially udukkai, however, the tune sounds pale when compared to the backgrounds. Sannidanandan spruces up the song with his energetic vocals despite sounds processed intermittently. Venne Vennakal Penne also sounds contrast to the sounds one can associate with the composer, however, Sayanora Phillip's vocals and the second interlude makes this one worthy listen. Oruthari Aasha's discordant backgrounds aside, the standalone classical tune is blissful enough to clasp the listeners.Vivek Moozhikkulam's confident vocal prowess is apparent in this short track and one wishes that Bijibal could have made this one full-length track. Pushpavathy who hails from Thrissur croons the fun filled Thrissooru and Bijibal's splendid backgrounds sounds is the highlight of the track apart from the top notch singing. Thaikkudam bridge's vocalist Vipinlal croons Kaantha and Bijibal employed Chenda melam exquisitely but the same cannot be said about the synth elements and also the track is short to make an impact.

Verdict: Bijibal produces a different album for the debutant RatheishKumar but the album falls short of awe factor despite engaging sounds throughout the tracks.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Oruthari Aasha, Maangappoolu, Thrissooru

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Music Review (Malayalam): Sakhavu

Music Review (Malayalam): Sakhavu
Music Composer: Prashant Pillai

Madhumathiye is a melange of retro, semi-classical tinge and techno beats in the background while the real stunner piece is the classical strings in the second interlude transitioned into mappilai paatu styled second half. Sreekumar Vakkiyil and Preethi Pillai's gorgeous vocals make this one an engaging piece of work till it lasts. Lokam Ennum sounds anthemic tandem to the movie genre, but Prashant Pillai's background work with the string make this one worthy listen although the tune stays true to the template of songs of this genre. Vaikom Vijayalakshmi's idiosyncratic vocals fit the bill perfectly for Udichuyarnne retro stage drama kind of song and the brilliant usage of harmonium is the highlight. Theyyum Thindaka is an another upbeat song and the soundscape is strictly situational and anthemic one which may gels well with the visuals but not as a standalone song. Prashant Pillai always teases the listeners by delivering the best song in the soundtrack with the shortest duration Do Naina in Angamaly Diaries and Aarariro in Sakhavu. The song's show stopper is undeniably Preethi Pillai and her resonating vocals makes this one an enjoyable one.

Verdict: Though not as exquisite as Prashant Pillai's previous soundtracks a couple of songs are enjoyable.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick Of the Album: Aarariro, Madhumathiye

Music Review (Malayalam): Angamaly Diaries

Music Review (Malayalam): Angamaly Diaries
Music Composer: Prashant Pillai

Lijo's penchant for brass is evident with brilliant PamPara Paa in Amen and Angamaly in Angamaly Diaries. Angamaly's high octane brass band arrangements mixed with native folk vocals of Angamaly Pranchi is foot tapping at best, though it falls a tad behind the Amen track. Ayalathe is a most interesting composition by Prashant Pillai with the melange of sounds from the Rajesh Cherthala's Pan flute,Prakash Ulleri's Harmonium and deftly placed knocking and other assorted sounds throughout the song. Theeyame is another folk traditional song brimming with native flavour while both arrangements and singers stay true to the tune. The exuberant brass sections and Angamaly Pranchi returns back in Thana Dhina and the result is alluring as the previous song. The charming melodic track Do Naina's 5 versions seems to be overkill, however, the beauty of the tune and exquisite waltzy arrangements highlighted by piano makes up for the grouses. Preethi Pillai and Shreekumar Vakkiyil nails the beautiful tune with the vocals in their respective versions.

Verdict: Lijo- Prashant Pillai combo continues to enchant the music lovers with their curious soundscape after Amen and Double Barrel.

My Rating:8/10

Pick of the Album: Do Naina, Angamaly, Ayalathe

Music Review (Malayalam): Kochavva Paulo Ayyappa Coelho

Music Review (Malayalam): Kochavva Paulo Ayyappa Coelho
Music Composer: Shaan Rahman and Sooraj S Kurup

Neelakkannulla Maanea is a delightful throwback sung impeccably by Vijay Yesudas who sounds almost like his veteran father accompanied by sweet sounding Swetha Mohan. Shaan Rahman adorned the melody with fitting orchestration. Mele Mukilodum's indipop sound along with native percussion elements works partially mainly because of Job Kurian's vocals. Ethu Meghamaari's serene sounding tune sung perfectly by Hesham Abdul Wahab while Shaan does neat work in the background with fabulous violin solos and tidy rhythm structure. The tune's beauty is more apparent in the minimally orchestrated reprise version by Anne Amie. The brief classical sargams accompanied by the tabla beats is exquisitely done. Doore Dooram is adequately foot tapping material and although borders on the familiar pop template with few layering of desi beats. Shaan Rahman easily breezes through four-minute song without any hurdles. Sooraj S Kurup of Valleem Thetti Pulleem Thetti fame comes up with similar sounding Vaanam Mele and the song works mainly because of Shankar Mahadevan's effectual vocals and rhythmic background.

Verdict: Shaan Rahman's latest album has nothing extraordinary to offer, however the album has couple of pleasant composer's trademark melodies.

My rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Ethu Meghamaari (both versions), Neelakkannulla Maanea, Vaanam Mele

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Music Review (Malayalam) : Kismath

Music Review (Malayalam) : Kismath
Music Composer: Sumesh Parameswar, Sushin Shyam, Shamej Sreedhar

Kisa Paathiyil's starts with the perfect blend of haunting santoor like keyboard sounds along with flute amidst the rainy atmosphere and what follow is the gorgeously sung melody by Sachin Balu. The song transcends into quawwali mode with the brilliant interspersing of tabla and loved the way the composer ends the song with reverberating sounds. Sumesh Parameshwar delivers Gopi Sundar like melody in Nilamanaltharikalil where rhythmic tabla sounds get fantastic support from the flute throughout the song while Harishankar KS who sang wonderful melodies for Vidyasagar aces this one also. Shreya Raghav also ably support him although with some constraints in her vocals. 

Loneliness rides on the Shreya Raghav's humming with Cochin strings chirping in with brilliant string portions giving the two minute instrumental rousing end. Chilathunam's templatized quawwali tune is elevated mainly by the pitch perfect rendition by the lead singer Madhushree with additional vocals by Anoop G Krishnan, Gakul Joseph, Neil Mathews and composer Shamej Shreedhar itself. Composer Sumesh Parameshwar recreates the traditional maapilla Paattu song Aane Madanapoo brilliantly especially loved the guitar solos by the composer itself in the second interlude. Kabeer Nallalam's rustic vocals in contrast with the arrangements gives splendid touch to the overall song. Sumersh Parameshwar is top notch in the minimally arranged resonant Vinnu Churanna while Neesa M P's impeccable rendition of the pleasant tune reminds me of the similar soundscape song in Amen (Solamanum Soshanayum). Composer throws some brilliant surprises especially Veena and as usual gorgeous guitar and bass work by Sumesh itself. Sumesh ends the soundtrack with Kismath theme, middle eastern touch to the instrumental and pleasant humming makes its for enjoyable listen. 

Verdict: Indie musicians Sumesh Parameshwar, Sushin Shyam and Shamej Sreedhar delivered the eclectic soundtrack for the movie Kismath.

My Rating: 8.25/10

Pick of the Album: Kisa Paathiyil, Vinnu Churanna, Nilamanaltharikalil

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Music Review (Malayalam): Anuraga Karikkin Vellam

Music Review (Malayalam): Anuraga Karikkin Vellam
Music Composer: Prashant Pillai

Manogathan Bhavan's enticing classical melody in the fore delivered with absolute finesse by both singers Mathangi and Haricharan while at the background Prashant Pillai employs pop sounding cues throughout the track. Apart from all this eargasmic ambience, Prashant topped up the song with fantastic Josy's Sax in the interludes. Vaikom Vijayalakshmi's idiosyncratic vocals in Neeyo Njano hooks up the listeners while Prashant incorporates the upbeat sounds in the background in sync with the song's tone. The lovely Prakash Hariharan's Mandolin base amidst the punchy percussion is the highlight of this track. Poyimaranjo's resonant tune evokes the memories of Mosayile Kuthira Meenukal title song, however composer upped the ante with brilliant string progressions. Govind Menon's wonderful violin solo is enough to enjoy the foot-tapping melody of the title song which Peethamabaran Menon and Govind menon renders earnestly.

Verdict: Prashant Pillai is one of the composers I always look out for and he never disappoints and Anuraga Karikkin Vellam is also top-notch work from this brilliant composer.

My rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Manogathan Bhavan, Poyimaranjo, Anuraga Karikin Vellam

P.S You can listen to the soundtrack in Youtube

Music Review (Malayalam): Kammatipaadam

Music Review (Malayalam): Kammatipaadam
Music Composer: John P Varkey, K, Vinayakan

John P Varkey's Para Para has sonorous ambient soundscape with gloomy vibe attached to it and incredible way the song transcends from lethargic folk tune to soaring second half is absolutely stunning. Composer incorporated some timely idakka sounds in a brilliant way. The song's vocal credits should mainly go for the lovely chorus portions bolstering Anoop Mohandas. In Chingamaasathile, Varkey builds the beautiful languorous folk tune with minimal guitar riffs laden track played by the composer itself and rendered effectually by once again Anoop Mohandas. K returns to Rajeev Ravi's movie after winsome Malayalam debut in Annayum Rasoolum. Kaathirunna Pakshi Njan is another sweet-sounding melody rides mainly on the ever-reliable Karthik who aces both singing as well as with whistles while K kept the arrangements simple with another composer Varkey takes the lead with uber cool guitar strums. Puzhu Pulikal's tune sounds more like conversation between a man and boy but Vinayakan's brilliant arrangements with tinge of somber vibe mainly due to Janardhan's udukku built over the simple tune  and the highlight of this track is undeniably Francis Xavier's blissful violin in the interludes.

Verdict: Rajeev Ravi's association with multi-composer for Kammatipaadam turns out to be appealing one akin to his debut movie soundtrack.

My rating:8/10

Pick of the Album: All songs, nevertheless only four.

You can listen to the songs in Youtube.

Music Review(Malayalam): Jacobinte Swargarajyam

Music Review(Malayalam): Jacobinte Swargarajyam
Music Composer: Shaan Rahman

Ee Shishirakaalam is typical Shaan Rahman melody and Shaan Rahman's close associate Vineeth Sreenivasan and Alka Ajith handles the gorgeous violin-laden tune quite effectually. Unni Menon and Sithara steals the show in the traditional song Thiruvaavaniraavu filled with authentic Kerala percussion elements, amidst synthesised beats. Especially loved the classical sargams by the lead singers throughout the song. In Dubai, Shaan builds the sing along simple tune on an impressive string base with Vineeth Sreenivasan lending fantastic support with his vocals. In Ennilerinju, Shaan mixes rap portions and Carnatic sargams beautifully and though Rzee's rap portions didn't impress much, the track is the wonderful listen mainly because of the Sithara's stupendous rendition and an enticing orchestration in the background. Home crooned by Ashwin is the typical rock song which is passable at its best.

Verdict: Jacobinte Swargarajyam is rich in melodies as expected from Shaan Rahman, however this one lags tad behind when compared to the Vineeth Srinivasan- Shaan's earlier works.

My rating:7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Ee Shishirakaalam, Thiruvaavaniraavu, Dubai

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Music Review (Malayalam): Valleem Thetti Pulleem Thetti

Music Review (Malayalam): Valleem Thetti Pulleem Thetti
Music Composer: Sooraj S Kurup

Vaathe Poothe, infectious kuthu on the lines of Pistha from Neram and the composer maintains the energy throughout the song while handling the vocals of this short track also. Pooram Kannan's tune and the vocals of both the lead singers Vijay Yesudas- Sithara has the tinge of folk swag. Composer's dark tone in the tune and arrangements dominated by fabulous percussions give quite an enticing tone to the song. Haricharan and Madonna sound fantastic in the classically inclined song Pularkaalam Pole while composer incorporated gorgeous Nadhaswaram - Mridangam combo (which mildly evocates memories of Mettu podu from duet) generously throughout the song. Kannukal Kalidari has an intriguing tune and composer itself rendered the song in an effectual manner. Sooraj employs an interesting set of sounds in the arrangements ranging from foot-tapping percussion, wonderful guitar usage especially loved the Carnatic styled one towards the end and Mridangam combo in the second interlude works wonderfully. Enno Kaathil's serene tune and minimalistic guitar laden orchestration blend together beautifully in Vineeth Srinivasan's vocals. Are Thu Chakarr is the only song which didn't work much mainly due to the formulaic tune while composer ups the ante with sporadic pieces of engaging orchestration.

Verdict: Sooraj S Kurup shows promise in his debut Malayalam album with quite an eclectic and an enjoyable mix of songs

My rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Kannukal Kalidari, Pooram Kannan, Vaathe Pothe, Pularkaalam Pole

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Music Review (Malayalam): Maheshinte Prathikaram

Music Review (Malayalam): Maheshinte Prathikaram
Music Composer: Bijibal

Idukki, lovely melody and seems to be the tribute for the eponymous place while Bijibal did a fabulous job in crooning along with wonderful ear pleasing backing vocals. Bijibal aces as a composer too with minimal soothing orchestration and pleasant string sections. Theliveyil starts with kid chorus and what follows is another wonderful waltz'y melody handled by Sudeep Kumar and Sangeetha Srikanth effectually. Bijibal impresses with alluring violin and string sections throughout the song. Vijay Yesudas and Aparna Balamurali got a winner in the album with Mounangal while the tune is again on rhythmic waltzy base but Bijibal churned out a surprise with the brilliant set of instruments with sitar, violins and clarinet. Cherupinjiri also a melody one but compared to other songs in the album this one is least impressive whereas Nikhil Mathew did a fine job behind the mic.

Verdict: Bijibal's success streak continues with 2016, an enjoyable short soundtrack from the proficient composer.

My rating:7.5/10
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Pick of the Album: Mounangal, Idukki, Theliveyil

You can listen to the songs in Youtube.

Music Review (Malayalam): Adi Kapyare Kootamani

Music Review (Malayalam): Adi Kapyare Kootamani
Music Composer: Malayalam

In Ende Maavum Poothe, Vineeth Srinivasan and Shaan Rahman totally surprised the listeners by delivering the techno packed song. After seeing the singer name expected melodious number given the duo's highly pleasant numbers in the past. The shift between main tune and Rzee's rap portions are done seamlessly. Shaan Rahman once again takes techno mix route in Maruda also and in this song composer effectually mixes brass portions and electronic sounds. Although the tune is not catchy enough, foot tapping brass sounds and thanana thanana sing along vocals of Arun makes this one engaging listen till it lasts. Ullasagayike has an interesting sound in the background and earnest rendition by Vidhu Prathap, Shaan Rahman and Ramya Nambeesan. However, the song lacks the catchy tune to clasp the listeners.

Verdict: Shaan Rahman's short soundtrack for Adi Kapyare Kootamani is not as exquisite when compared to composer's past repertoire. 

My rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Ende Maavum Poothe, Maruda

You can listen to the songs here.

Music Review (Malayalam): Charlie

Music Review (Malayalam): Charlie
Music Composer: Gopi Sundar

Akale's orchestration with tribal ambience sounds accompanied by Sunil Kumar and Anandan K's percussions reminds of Neha Nair's Iyobinte Pusthakam. Gopi Sundar makes this song enjoyable with ample support from Malgudi Subha and it's delight to hear her rustic vocals after a long time. Pularikalo's one minute long prelude with Sax has shades of Gopi sundar's recent chartbuster Mukkathu Penne and what follows is templatized Muslim flavoured song with effectual vocals of Shakthishree Gopalan and Md. Maqbool Mansoor(man behind Mukkathu Penne). Puthumazhayai follows the tried and tested waltzy rhythmic tune and it seldom fails. Shreya Goshal's singing is icing on the cake to an already likeable tune. Song's another version with Divya S menon in vocals while Gopi retained the orchestration intact. Shreya's vocals makes the difference in this lovable song. Oru Kari Mukilinu's highlight is Gopi Sundar's enticing arrangements with percussions especially interludes,string sections, mandolin in second interlude. Vijay Prakash is spot on with his rendition of this heard before tune. Sneham Nee Nadha is more like choir hymn handled well by Rajalakshmi's sweet vocals while Gopi Sundar set the mood with minimal orchestration using keys and string sections.

Gopi Sundar's additional song for Charlie, Chithirathira is crooned by Vijay Yesudas and the song starts off with tongue rolling initial 40-second portions backed by mandolin strums and what follows is Vijay Yesudas show all the way. Gopi Sundar backed him with slight middle eastern touches in the arrangements which the composer aces so many times in his previous soundtracks.

Verdict: Overall Gopi Sundar delivered instantly likeable set of songs after Mili this year. Songs are immensely enjoyable despite treading on the familiarity zone.

My rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Akale, Pularikalo, Puthumazhayai (Shreya's version)

You can listen to the songs in Youtube.


Chithirathira song:

Music Review (Malayalam): Rajamma@yahoo

Music Review (Malayalam): Rajamma@yahoo
Music Composer: Bijibal

       Ullathu Chonnal has an average yesteryear tune while Vineeth Srinivasan and Sangeetha Sreekanth breezes through the tune with pleasant rendition. Bijibal marks his prowess with enticing sounds with veena and Nadhaswaram in the interludes. Meghamani follows the standard template sounds mainly driven by harmonium and tabla whereas Najeem Arshad's singing and lively tune spruces the song very well. Particularly loved the harmonica and string combination in the second interlude. Alphons Joseph's singing is the highlight in the immensely enjoyable qawwali number Maanaanivalude whereas Bijibal filled the arrangements with harmonium, tabla and claps. Olivile Kalikal is the only song which is in different soundscape compared to other songs in the album. Apart from the interesting native instrument mix with chenda in the middle, this one is the pretty-much average track in the album. Bijibal reserves the best of the soundtrack Ottathooval to Ganesh Sundaram and Roopa Revathi. The semi-classical melody backed by prolific rendition by the lead singers and Bijibal's gorgeous haunting arrangements makes this one instantly catchy song in the soundtrack.

Verdict: Rajamma@Yahoo although didn't match up to the Bijibal's repertoire in this year, Ottathooval is a keeper in the soundtrack.

My rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Ottathooval, Maanaanivalude, Meghamani